Summary
A federal judge ruled that a Washington state law requiring Catholic priests to report child abuse learned in confession violates the U.S. Constitution. This decision stops the state from enforcing the law, which had removed the confidentiality usually given to confessions. Both parties agreed to the decision, so there will be no appeals.
Key Facts
- The law, Senate Bill 5375, was supposed to start on July 27, 2025.
- It added clergy to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse but removed the confidentiality of confession.
- Violating the law would have resulted in jail time and fines for priests.
- Three Catholic bishops sued, stating the law forced priests to break their religious vows.
- The court ruled this law unconstitutional as it infringed on religious practices protected under the First Amendment.
- The United States Department of Justice supported the Catholic bishops' lawsuit.
- The decision has been finalized, and no party will appeal the ruling.
